BIRTA — Hugh and Margery Eldridge, and seven of their family members have been named the 2013 Yell County Farm Family of the Year.

Their daughter, Janice Irwin and husband Kevin, daughter Sandra Andrews and husband Russell, plus three grandsons, all work the farm in various capacities during day-to-day operation.

For all, farming is a traditional way of life in the Birta community, which adds meaning to their family and community.

It’s been a chance for their family to do what they love and to share time together while building a legacy for current and future generations of Eldridge family members who want to farm.

Hugh and Margery were surprised to learn they had been recognized, but Casey Scarborough, Yell County Cooperative Extension Service agent, said they are a great example of Arkansas River Valley independent farm owners who are also leaders in the agriculture community.

Family values, years of farm industry experience and community service are just a few of the many reasons the Eldridge family was selected as Yell County’s Farm Family of the Year.

To read about the Eldridge family and life on their farm, see Sunday’s edition of The Courier.